Airlie Beach, a popular jumping off point for the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and the Whitsunday Islands, sits on a lush peninsula at Shute Harbour. Known as the heart of the GBR, shops, bars, clubs, restaurants and a pleasant boardwalk dot the town, and there’s a stinger-free lagoon to cool off in. Whether skydiving or scuba diving is your thing, you can add it to your itinerary in Airlie Beach. When not snorkeling the reef, head off on a crocodile safari or sail among the Whitsundays.